Senior leadership change for Executive Council Office and Economic Development

Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed new leaders for the Executive Council Office and the Department of Economic Development.

Justin Ferbey will take on the role of deputy minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary. He will continue to be president of the Yukon Housing Corporation.

Michael Prochazka will replace Ferbey as the deputy minister for the Department of Economic Development. Prochazka will be acting deputy minister for six months.

These appointments are effective on May 12.

Thank you to Justin Ferbey and Michael Prochazka for stepping into these important leadership positions in the public service. These positions play a critical role in advancing the Yukon government’s work to improve the lives of all Yukoners.

Premier Ranj Pillai

Quick facts
  • Deputy ministers, including presidents of government corporations, are the most senior public servants in the Government of Yukon. They are responsible for the department or corporation’s budget, day-to-day operations and program development.

  • Deputy ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier.

  • The deputy minister for the Executive Council Office also serves as the Cabinet secretary.

Backgrounder

Biographies

Justin Ferbey

Justin Ferbey is the former CEO of the Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation and earlier was the senior executive of his self-governing First Nation in Carcross. He also served as a fiscal advisor in the Federal Treaty Negotiation Office in B.C. He has received numerous leadership and innovation awards, has spent considerable time volunteering for local, national and international associations and boards, and is an alumnus of leadership programs in Canada and America. Most recently he has been the deputy minister for the departments of Economic Development, and Tourism and Culture as well as the president of the Yukon Housing Corporation. Ferbey holds a bachelor of arts and science, a master of business and has obtained certifications in dispute resolution and negotiations, and commerce.

Michael Prochazka

Michael Prochazka has dedicated his career to helping communities in the Yukon and across Canada to develop economic opportunities. With a background in business, industrial design and project management, Michael brings a people-centred approach to public service. He began his public sector career with the federal government, holding various leadership roles with Parks Canada before joining Yukon government in 2018. In that time, Michael has worked for Yukon Development Corporation and the Department of Economic Development, most recently serving as the department’s assistant deputy minister. Michael is passionate about the Yukon and sharing time outdoors with his wife Krista and their two teenage daughters.

Media contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
[email protected]

News release #:
23-161
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